SASCOC pay tribute to pioneer Player

Updated: December 3, 2014

SASCOC have paid tribute to legendary sports pioneer and
environmentalist Dr Ian Player.Dr Player died at the age of 87 at his Karkloof, KwaZulu, Natal home on
Sunday after suffering a stroke earlier in the week.
Dr Player was the first winner of the Dusi Canoe Marathon, winning the
now epic event in 1951 and next year’s edition will be held in special
tribute to his ongoing work around the event and his passion for the
state of the uMsundusi and uMngeni rivers that paddlers negotiate in the
annual event.
Said SASCOC President Mr Gideon Sam: “Dr Player was an exceptional man
in the history of South African sport. Not only was he constantly
involved in caring for the welfare of the two rivers but he also
championed the conservation of the white rhino for many years.
“He was a real son of the South African soil and his loss will impact
deeply on the canoeing and sporting scene, both in KwaZulu-Natal and
indeed, in the whole country.
‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.”